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Overhead view of finished pesto pasta dish in serving bowl surrounded by fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan

Pesto Pasta

This fresh pesto pasta combines tender noodles with a vibrant basil sauce made from simple ingredients. Ready in minutes, it delivers authentic Italian flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 300 g pasta linguine, penne, or fusilli

Pesto Sauce

  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing.
  • In a large bowl, whisk pesto sauce with olive oil until smooth.
  • Add hot pasta to the pesto mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
  • Add 1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, toss lightly, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh basil pesto for best flavor. Avoid overheating the pesto to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
Keyword Pesto Pasta